By Eric W. Schoen
Gas prices out of control with no sign they will stop going up. Everyone you talk to knows someone in isolation with Covid even though thankfully people are not getting as sick as they did before. Possible rationing of supplies and vaccines for Covid as funds across the country run low. Baby formula crisis. Monkey pox? What’s next.
With all that is going on, Memorial Day Weekend, the official start of summer is here. So gas up the grill or get some charcoal and throw those hamburgers, hot dogs and steak on it. Wait, have you seen the prices of hamburger, hot dogs and steak? Food prices are sky high with basic items unavailable as the items are stuck on a ship some place in the world. Or there are no workers to harvest goods or ring them up at your local market.
But hey, it’s Summertime! Beaches will open up Memorial Day and pools shortly thereafter. Did you check to make sure the lifeguards are on duty and the places you want to go to are open? Did you brush up on your swim techniques and water safety? Stew Leonard’s offers free water safety videos online as does the American Red Cross.
Don’t go out farther in the ocean than you should. But water temps are still cold so it will be a few weeks until you can go for a dip in to cool off even though temps were 90 degrees last weekend.
Something very important to know. All WESTCHESTER BEE LINE BUSES ARE FREE from June 1 to Labor Day. Yes, that includes the popular buses that take you to Manhattan and back. If the bus says Westchester Bee Line on it it’s free. Thank you County Executive George Latimer and County Legislators for making this perk available to us. It allows you to travel throughout the county in air conditioned comfort at no cost and ride right into Manhattan.
So much to explore. A good way to know that is going on around town from WESTCHESTER County festivals to free kayaking in the Hudson in Yonkers is to get on the email lists of the Mayor or leader of your city, town, village or hamlet. Get on the email list of your County Legislator and local officials. Most institutions you would want to go to have mailing lists. And don’t forget the programs offered in person and virtually by our wonderful public libraries.
Let’s take a minute to discuss our libraries. Many people like the feel of an old fashioned book in their hands. Yes you will find plenty of them on the shelves of your library. But with your computer or iPhone you can see what books are available, what books are not at your library but at another library and put a reserve on for particular book which can be sent to your local library. Let’s not forget electronic or ebooks which you can read on your iPad or other compatible device. The latest titles there for you to read as soon as they come out.
These remote library features allow people who are afraid to go out to public places due to Covid or other health concerns to take advantage of all the library has to offer. All you need is a library card.
If you are in and around Yonkers two programs sponsored by Friends of the Yonkers Public Library of which I am President are coming up on Sundays in June. June 5 the wonderful students of the Pelham Piano School offer an afternoon of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Chopin for free at the Grinton Will Library at 2:00 p.m. Guests are mesmerized by the talents of the young students from throughout Westchester. And on June 12 the Library Jazz Band is at the Will Library at 2 p.m. A brand new 17-piece jazz band has its public debut! Count on hearing works by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis and more. Members include professional musicians and experienced amateurs from Yonkers and surrounding towns. Founders of the group include award-winning jazz pianist Sarah Jane Cion, Nancy Maron and William Schaeffer with Dave Levitt as conductor.
Facebook is a good place to find listings of events in your area and beyond. You should join even if you have no desire to communicate with friends from 50 years ago or see your neighbors children covered with mud. And of course these newspapers tell you what’s going on in your community and so much more.
Have you visited the High Line, the wonderful park on the old railroad beds on the West Side of Manhattan. When was the last time you saw the Statue of Liberty. As I always tell friends the best way for you to get pictures of the Statue with your loves ones in the picture is to take a free ride on the Staten Island Ferry.
Have you visited the wonderful Governor’s Island for concerts, a stroll through the park or to rent or borrow a bicycle for some exercise in this majestic facility with so much history.
The great museums in New York City. Most have admission fees which are suggested but you can pay what you can afford to see fabulous art. You should not be denied admission if you can’t afford the fee. Ask to see a supervisor if there are any issues. These museums receive state and city tax dollars so you are paying already for the care and upkeep of these institutions.
Have you been on the Yonkers Waterfront for an open air concert. The Yonkers Pride Festival takes place June 11 in downtown Yonkers. Music, entertainment and fun for all. Have you been to a free concert or performance at Untermyer Park? Farmers markets are plentiful throughout the area where on all days of the week you can pick up fresh produce, baked goods, jams, jellies and other delicacies for your enjoyment.
There are so many things you can do without breaking the bank or using the last drops of gas in your tank. We have lived through 2 difficult summers. Now it’s time to get back to enjoying life as it use to be. Just be careful, wash your hands, stay home if you are sick, and if you are feeling depressed get the help that you need.
Westchester County this week has announced 7 Mobile Crisis Response Teams for mobile crisis health coverage if you need it. The State of New York offers free mental health programs as do many institutions in every community. We have been through a lot for over 2 years and with gas and food prices so high many people will feel pain compounded by the health crises we continue to face. There is help out there for you don’t ever forget that.
And remember a walk through a beautiful park like Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers or the many Westchester parks you can reach through the Free Bee Line Bus service this summer will bring a smile to your face.
Hydrate with plenty of water or a delicious energy drink like the one I found at 7 Eleven called Replenish Zero calories Fruit Punch. Tastes so much better then the energy drinks so many people carry around. I like Body Armour Lyte low calorie energy drinks also. Often on sale for a buck each. Don’t forget the fresh delicious tap water residents in Yonkers get by turning on the faucet and filling up the ice tray and water bottle to bring along on your trek.
Enjoy summer 2022!
Reach Eric Schoen at thistooisyonkers@aol.com. Follow him on Twitter @ericyonkers. Listen to Eric Schoen on the Westchester Rising Radio Show alternating Thursday’s from 10-11 a.m. On WVOX 1460 AM, WVOX.com click listen or download the WVOX app from the App Store free of charge.
